Maybe this is getting a little ahead of myself, but I forget good topics so often, I just wanted to get this out there before I fail to remember.

OK, here's my question (not really a question):

Name 3 Eastern Conference teams who you think could/will give the Pacers (the most) trouble en route to the Finals.

Name 3 Western Conference teams who you think could/will give the Pacers (the most) trouble in the NBA Championship Series.
[hr]

I'll go first. I'll try to sound like I actually know a thing or two about basketball, but don't count on it.

East

Milwaukee
Boston
Detroit

I chose Milwaukee because of their strong play at home, quick guards, deadly shooters, and they have proven that they can beat us. (First home game of the year, they whooped us, 93-79. For those of you who didn't remember.)

The Celtics really bother me. They are very physical and it's really tough to keep Paul Pierce down. They have the confidence of beating us, both in the playoffs, and at Conseco during the regular season. They've got versatile players and an extremely good homecourt advantage. Also, Waltah creates a matchup problem.

I picked the Pistons because they match up very well with the Pacers at every position and because they are very tough. Larry Brown is a smart guy and he would have his team prepared for us in the playoffs. He hasn't done well against us this season, but he did eliminate us a few years ago when he was with Philadelphia. They also have experience in the playoffs and are a veteran ballclub. Even though they've gotten beaten 3 times by us already, they're bound to show up and give us a lot of trouble.

West

Spurs
Houston
Kings

Before I get started, I just want to note that I don't think the Lakers are unbeatable. If they have any injuries to the "Big Four," then they are just a normal, slow team. I think the Lakers' "greatness" is mostly just hype and there's just an auroa about the Lakers, and that they are not that spectacular a team.

Spurs have given the Pacers problems, and most of its because of Tim Duncan. He has off-nights, and it seems like this is the first year I've ever seen that, but I'm sure he'd show up were his team to make the Finals. They have quick guards which would be a problem. They are also a very experienced NBA Finals team. Ginobili would be at full strength presumably, but I think Fred Jones can take him.

The Rockets just showed that they can man-handle us. Even when Yao isn't a big factor, they dominate the boards and have the ability to constantly find the man open for 3 (who usually makes it.) Steve Francis would be a horrible matchup for us. And if the Pacers fans don't show up like they did last week versus Houston, there would be absolutely no home court (advantage) for the Pacers.

The Kings are a team. They play team basketball. They've got a wide variety of talent and make a lot of passes. If Ron Artest could somehow shut down or just contain Peja Stojakovic a little, the Pacers could have a really good chance of winning a 7-game series versus them. I think they have the best homecourt in all of basketball. If the Pacers were to meet them in the Finals, it would be a long series, the winner probably being the team who has homecourt for game 7. I, personally, think that if and when Chris Webber comes back for the Kings, that he will hinder them more than help them. That would be a plus for us. Divac can't play anymore, so the only real threats I see coming from Sacramento are Stojackovic, Miller, Bibby, and Jackson. I tells ya--if we want to win a series against the Kings, we have to stop Bobby Jackson from penetrating (or any guard for that matter.)
[hr]

Sorry guys. I don't know if I made much basketball sense, but, hey!, if I did, let me know.

Someone call this number and tell me what it says:

Danny Ainge Teleconference
Thursday afternoon Danny Ainge held a teleconference with season ticket holders. To hear what Danny had to say call: 1-800-475-6701 and use passcode: 719913.

MSA2CF

01-30-2004, 09:22 PM

Didn't the Pacers go 7-7 the last time this board started talking about us being in the Finals already?

:D

Well, we're still in first place, so I guess it didn't hurt too much. :angel:

Hicks

01-30-2004, 09:29 PM

Name 3 Eastern Conference teams who you think could/will give the Pacers (the most) trouble en route to the Finals.

Detroit, New Jersey, Milwaukee

Name 3 Western Conference teams who you think could/will give the Pacers (the most) trouble in the NBA Championship Series.

L.A., Sacramento, Minnesota

MSA2CF

01-30-2004, 09:37 PM

Minnesota

You're right! I totally forgot about the T'Wolves. They are probably the scariest team out there, to us. But I doubt they'll make it to the Finals, so that's a moot point... :D

West:

LA, Dallas, Sacramento

How does Dallas scare you? (We totally beat them down at their place.)

bulletproof

01-30-2004, 09:44 PM

Name 3 Eastern Conference teams who you think could/will give the Pacers (the most) trouble en route to the Finals.

Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Milwaukee

Name 3 Western Conference teams who you think could/will give the Pacers (the most) trouble in the NBA Championship Series.

L.A., Minnesota, San Antonio

ABADays

01-30-2004, 09:53 PM

I don't wanna even think about it. But since you brought it up :unimpressed: Minnesota scares me because of the way they play on the road.

DisplacedKnick

01-30-2004, 10:07 PM

East: Detroit and New Jersey. Don't have 3. I guess you could say NO because they just got Mash back and nobody knows how good they'll be but I still don't see it. Don't worry about Boston - Miami and NY will be in ahead of them. They're crap and have been since the Ricky Davis trade.